What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 6-26-09

Michael Jackson 1958-2009:

Tom remembers the career and enigmatic life of the cultural icon.  Also, the LA County coroner will perform an autopsy today and is expected to release a statement this afternoon. Reporters and experts will join Tom for the latest news and analysis.

 

The King is Dead

How will Michael Jackson be remembered?  And what about the “King of Pop”s massive debt?  Will his children be on the hook for hundreds of millions of dollars?  Plus, how Jackson’s death overshadowed the passing of ‘70’s icon Farrah Fawcett.

 

Cap-and-Trade

The controversial Cap-and-Trade bill may be voted on today.  How will this bill impact you?

 

 

 

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 6-24-09

Time to Resign?

South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford has explained his mysterious disappearance over the weekend, and admitted that he had been not been hiking in the Appalachians, but actually in Argentina visiting another woman.  He's already resigned as Chair of the Republican Governors Association -- should he resign as governor altogether?  

 

Not Tough Enough?

Is President Bush responsible for the events taking place in Iran?  And, as Fox News' Major Garrett asked in yesterday's press conference, did Barack Obama wait too long to get ‘tough’ on Iran?  Republican strategist Bradley Blakeman and Newsday Columnist Ellis Henican join Scott to weigh in.

 

A Set-Up?

Has the President been too wishy-washy about Iran?  Also, Obama seemed to know exactly what the reporter from the Huffington Post was going to ask him during yesterday's press conference.  Also, ABC has devoted its entire day of news programming to President Obama and his health care agenda.  Does this prove how closely tied the White House is to the liberal media?

 

 

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 6-23-09

Bulldoze the ‘Burbs?

Existing home sales increased 2.4% in May, but prices have dropped 17% from last year.  Some are suggesting in this economy, its time to ‘bulldoze the ‘burbs’ -- hundreds of homes have already been destroyed.  Does that really make sense?  Plus, Tom will break down the highlights of the President's press conference.

 

 

 

Gov't Waste

Despite the increasing deficit and serious economic problems, federal, state and local governments continue to waste our money.  It is no wonder polls show people are losing confidence in the President's stimulus plan.  How do we force our leaders to spend taxpayer money more wisely?

 

 

 

 

Prisoner Perks

An inmate at a center for violent sexual predators has been caught with child porn that he was viewing on the facility's computers.  Do prisoners get too many perks?  Plus, a study says 60,000 inmates are sexually assaulted every year.  Should the system step up efforts to protect prisoners?

 

 

 

Maureen Murphy

FOX News Channel

212-301-5274

 

 

 

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 6-22-09

Cheaper Drugs

President Obama will announce today that the drug companies have agreed to reduce Medicare drug costs. But Tom is curious what’s really behind this deal and asks who this agreement will really help.  PLUS: Economist Peter Morici joins Tom to explain his plan for reforming healthcare.

 

Tobacco Control

President Obama will sign the tobacco control act today in the Rose Garden.  The bill will create even tougher restrictions on the tobacco companies and allow the FDA to regulate what goes into tobacco products and prohibit marketing campaigns.  If the government doesn't want us to smoke, why don’t they just ban tobacco?

 

Big Bonuses

Despite the White House’s attempts to curb big compensation pay outs, Goldman Sachs employees are expected to receive the biggest bonuses in the firm’s 140+ year history.  Of course this will make “Tiny Tim” absolutely livid.  Should Goldman being rewarding such lavish bonuses in this economic environment?  PLUS: More Obama standup

 

 

 

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 6-19-09

Too Big to Fail

The Obama administration’s financial regulatory reform plan includes expanding the “too big to fail” policy that keeps some businesses afloat to avoid the impact of their failure could have on the economy.  But how will they decided who’s too big?  

 

More Apps!!!

It’s not just the Fed that wants more of your tax money.  Some states will be coming after you too.  North Carolina has proposed a law that would force online retailers like Amazon to collect the state’s sales tax from marketing affiliates.  Plus, the new I-Phone comes out today -- what are your favorite Apps?

 

Rising Rates?

The Treasury is planning to auction off a $104 billion in bonds next week – exceeding the previous the record $101 billion auctioned in April and $101 billion in May.  But what will that do to interest rates and how will it affect all of us?

 

 

 

 

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 6-17-09

"Inappropriate Conduct"

Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are questioning why President Obama fired Inspector General Gerald Walpin.  Was the firing pure politics, or is there more to the story?  Obama said Walpin engaged in "inappropriate conduct".  Tom speaks with Gerald Walpin to hear his side of the story.

 

Regulatory Reform

The President will be laying out a comprehensive regulatory reform plan today.  How far should government regulators go to protect the consumer?  Plus, the FCC claims they do not want the “fairness doctrine” but are conservative talkers really safe from a federal crackdown?  And, the FAA wants to regulate how pilots commute.

 

Pesky Critters

New York City is planning to round up and kill 2,000 geese to help reduce bird strikes at local airports.  But is gassing these pesky critters the best way to handle the problem?  And, yesterday President Obama demonstrated some impressive fly-swatting skills.  Tom wants to know the best way to kill a fly.

 

 

 

 

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 6-16-09

Fix It!

May home construction figures climbed far above expectations, but industrial production is down.  What’s really going on out there?  Plus, will taxing soda drinkers really help pay for health care?  Is a cap-and-trade backlash forming?  And, California was denied federal bucks and told to fix the budget.

 

Media Love Affair

ABC will deliver their nightly newscast from the Blue Room at the White House.  Is the media’s infatuation with Obama going too far?  Vanity Fair claims Obama’s press people are geniuses and playing the media perfectly.  How long will the Obama-media love affair continue?  Plus, Gov. Palin accepts Letterman’s apology, but some are still calling for his job.

 

The "L-Word"

According to Gallup, “Conservatives” are the single-largest ideological group in the country.  Does this poll reflect reality, or are people on the left just not willing to admit it?  Have conservatives stigmatized the “L-word”? And, how accurate are we when we label ourselves??

 

 

 

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 6-15-09

"Safeway" Health

The President is in Chicago to talk to the AMA about his plans for healthcare.  Is the so-called 'public option’ really just a backdoor to the single-pay system?  And, will the Safeway plan of rewarding healthy behavior with lower premiums encourage Americans to take better care of themselves?

 

Bike Libraries

It seems the recession has caused an interesting phenomenon:  while the demand for cars is increasing in China, a trend toward bike-riding is gaining interest in America.  Some struggling college campuses are even creating ‘bike libraries’.  Is the recession beginning to change our way of life? 

 

Postal Progress

The US Postal Service may be facing some major changes.  The cash-strapped agency is considering a reduction in services, consolidating offices and slashing jobs to save money.  Of course unions and others may try to block these cost-cutting efforts, but could this be the beginning of the end for ‘snail mail’?

 

 

 

 

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 6-11-09

Healthcare Reform

President Obama is on the road today pushing his health care plan. But how is he planning to pay for it?  And can Obama get his plan passed without the support of the AMA?  Tom takes a look at the health care debate.  Plus, Sen. Judd Gregg (R-NH) explains how we can reform healthcare without increasing the size of government.

 

Gov't Pressure?

Bank of America chief executive Ken Lewis is testifying today before a House committee to discuss last year’s acquisition of Merrill Lynch.  Did the Fed pressure Lewis to make the deal?  Also, the government is set to control 34% of Citi.  How do we get the government’s nose out of the private sector?

 

DTV Switch

The long-awaited switch to digital-TV begins tomorrow.  Are you ready?  If not, are you ready to kiss your favorite TV shows goodbye?  Plus, Letterman "apologizes" to Gov. Palin, the new Miss California takes over, and proposed regulation of obnoxiously loud TV commercials!

 

 

 

 

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 6-10-09

A Done Deal

The deal between Fiat and Chrysler is finally done.  But is the media misreporting this story? Tom says it's actually the UAW members who are the big winners of last night’s SCOTUS decision.   Also, the Cash-For-Clunkers plan was passed in the House, but is it just another government program that costs a lot of money?

 

Healthcare Dollars

Capitol Hill is working on a health care plan this week but no one seems to know how to pay for it.  President Obama says it’s okay to borrow the money, but that always comes with consequences.  Plus, mortgage rates have spiked and it’s getting harder to buy a house.  Can we pay for healthcare and help the housing market recover?

 

Do you Tweet?

The Pacific island of Palau has agreed to take in 17 Chinese Muslims that are going to be released from Guantanamo Bay.  The tiny island will also receive $200 million for their trouble!  Tom gives a geography lesson and explains why Obama’s plan makes no sense.  And, should your identity be protected on social networks like Twitter?

 

 

 

 

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 6-9-09

Giving Back

The Treasury is allowing 10 banks to repay a total of $68 billion in TARP money.  What should Tim Geithner do with all that money?  Meanwhile, there's talk of a new “Stress Test”.  Plus, Obama wants a ‘compensation czar’ to approve the pay changes for all bank executives who received TARP money.

 

“Closed”

Many Chrysler dealers are being forced to close their doors today.  Were they treated unfairly or should the dealers have seen this coming?  How will all these closings affect the economy?  Plus, Fiat says they will not turn their back on the Chrysler deal, but is there any hope of it going through?

 

Air France Mystery

Debris from the Air France crash suggests rough weather conditions may have caused the plane to literally fall apart.  Is adhering to environmental standards becoming more important than safety?  And, a new study says nearly every serious regional airline accident in the last 10 years involved pilots who failed multiple skill tests.

 

 

 

 

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 6-8-09

Chrysler Crisis

The Supreme Court will decide today if Chrysler can sell its assets to Italian automaker Fiat.  How will their decision impact GM’s bankruptcy and Obama’s recovery plan?  Plus, will the Penske-Saturn deal completely change how autos are built and sold in this country?  And, Ford CEO Alan Mulally clearly doesn’t want to ruffle any feathers.

 

Speedy Spending

President Obama wants to ramp up stimulus spending.  Will faster spending curb the unemployment rate?  Where should the money go?  Is Obama just throwing billions away?  Plus, large banks want to pay back their TARP money, Obama’s economic team is feuding and the government’s management reviews.

 

Instant Fame

A 23-year-old South Dakota rancher has won $232 million dollars by playing the lottery.  But does instant wealth and fame bring happiness?  What should this new millionaire expect?  Tom points to the cases of Susan Boyle and Jon & Kate as reminders that we should all be careful what we wish for.

 

 

 

 

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 6-5-09

More Jobless

The jobless rate hit 9.4% in May - the highest in more than 25 years. But with Microsoft talking about leaving the country over a proposed tax increase on foreign profits and other companies moving from state to state to avoid taxes, Tom wonders if Obama’s policies are conducive to creating jobs at all.

 

Too Many Czars!

The Obama administration plans to appoint a "compensation czar" to ensure that companies receiving federal bailout money are abiding by executive-pay guidelines and not rewarding execs with ‘lavish’ bonuses and perks. Is Obama overreaching? Also, should the President have the power to appoint so many "czars" without consulting Congress -- or voters?

 

Remembering D-Day

It’s Financial Friday! Tom breaks down the week in economic news, explains why the housing market is still in trouble and answers some of your questions.  Plus, Tom talks to WWII veteran who survived D-Day.

 

 

 

 

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 6-4-09

"New Beginning"?

President Obama tried to forge a new relationship with the Muslim world in a major speech this morning from Cairo, and it wasn’t short on controversial remarks.  Was Obama pandering to the Middle East?  And was he too tough on President Bush’s policies? Tom breaks down the speech and wonders if it will make any difference.

 

Economic Disaster?

Fed Chief Ben Bernanke says we’re heading toward disaster if Congress and the President don’t curb the budget deficit. Who will have the leadership to make the necessary - and painful - cuts we need?  Plus, NY Gov. David Paterson gets tough on state pension benefits… are times changing?  Will the nation follow?

 

Execs Grilled

In a Congressional hearing yesterday, top GM and Chrysler executives defended their plans to close down thousands of car dealerships. Are the dealers being treated unfairly or is it all 'just business’?  Plus, author Brian Jennings sits down with Tom to discuss his new book, "Censorship: The Threat to Silence Talk Radio".

 

 

 

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 6-3-09

Apology Tour II?

President Obama is trying to reach out to the Muslim world and is planning to deliver a speech tomorrow in Cairo.  Will he continue to apologize for America?  And, are the President's Muslim roots finally emerging?  Also, is Obama ‘dissing’ the Israelis on his five-day trip to the Middle East?  Plus, NBC’s Brian Williams ‘bows’ to Obama.

 

Planes vs. Cars

Debris from the doomed Air France flight has been identified and many are speculating about what caused the crash.  But despite several recent plane crashes, statistics show flying is still very safe.  In fact, airplanes are a lot safer than cars. Why are so many Americans terrified to fly but have no problem driving on the nation’s highways?

 

Price of Fame

“Britain’s Got Talent” runner-up Susan Boyle is still being treated for "emotional exhaustion".  Was the instant fame too much for her?  At the same time, the stars of the reality show "Jon and Kate Plus 8" are under fire for exploiting their children and their marriage is on the rocks.  Why are we fascinated with other people's private lives? 

 

 

 

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 6-2-09

Geithner Gets Laughs

Treasury Secretary “Tiny” Tim Geithner tried to reassure the Chinese government that the dollar is strong and their assets are safe.  How did the Chinese respond? Laughter.  How concerned should we be about the dollar and China’s willingness to lend?  How can we reduce our debt and avoid interest rates from rising?

 

Car Culture

Remember when cars used to be “cool”?  What happened to America’s car culture?  Have we fallen out of love with the car?  And is this auto-indifference the root of industry's problems?  Tom drives down Memory Lane and asks what went wrong with the American car.  Plus, the latest on the GM and Chrysler bankruptcies.

 

Too Much Reality

Is reality TV getting too real?  After losing on “Britain’s Got Talent”, singing star Susan Boyle checked herself into a private clinic for "emotional exhaustion".  The stars of "Jon and Kate Plus 8" are being accused of exploiting their children and their marriage is on the rocks.  Tom takes a look at reality television.  Plus, Conan takes over for Leno.

 

 

What's on The Tom Sullivan Show 6-01-09

GM Bankruptcy

GM has finally filed for bankruptcy. What will happen to the thousands of GM employees, dealers and auto suppliers?  Will taxpayers get a return on our investment?  As GM’s new de facto CEO, how will President Obama run the company?  And how will a government-run automaker impact the car market?  Tom breaks down the bankruptcy and the future of General Motors.

 

Luxury Spending

Over the weekend President Obama took the First Lady to dinner and a show in NYC, but many Americans are upset over the cost of the Obamas' "date night".  Plus, while CEOs are being criticized for using bailout money on lavish spending, some US congressmen are doing the same thing! Should we have to pay for a lawmaker's luxury car, big-screen TV or digital phone?

 

Reality Check

Is reality TV getting too real?  After losing on “Britain’s Got Talent”, singing star Susan Boyle has checked herself into a private clinic for "emotional exhaustion". The stars of "Jon and Kate Plus 8" are being accused of exploiting their children and their marriage is on the rocks.  Now, Octo-mom may be getting her own reality show!

Plus, Tom will have the latest on the missing Air France flight.